Director 2 -Director of Academics Technology

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Leads the Academics Technology Team, providing strategic guidance and operational support to equip Academics departments with essential data and innovative data solutions for evaluating performance, identifying areas for improvement, strategic planning, and enhancing data-driven decision-making. 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify opportunities to leverage data and technology, crafting and executing data solution initiatives that provide essential insights, empowering the district with the means to make informed, data-driven decisions. 
• Manages the continuous maintenance and enhancement of data solutions (BI tools, data visualization, data flows, Power Apps, etc.) based on stakeholder needs, data evolution, and shifts in leadership focus and priorities, ensuring relevance and effectiveness. 
• Provide guidance and support to stakeholders for their data needs. Engage with organizational leadership and Academics departments to identify business problems and determine data needs. 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

• Lead and inspire the team, providing guidance, support, and performance management to foster their growth and success, while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. 
• Leads strategic direction and operational efficiency of the team, consistent with the district's mission. Manages programs, resources, and budget, fostering an environment of growth, collaboration, and innovation. Coordinates with stakeholders and monitors performance to achieve goals. 
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; master's degree preferred. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role, preferably within a similar industry or organization. 

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels. 

Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget planning, financial management, and resource allocation. 

Proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth and impact. 

Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to navigate complex challenges. 

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 

Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. 

Knowledge of relevant industry regulations, compliance standards, and best practices. 

Ability to adapt to change and lead teams through organizational transitions. 

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and practices. 

Strong ethical standards and integrity in decision-making. 

Professional certifications or memberships relevant to the industry or leadership role are desirable. 

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages a department or multiple major disciplines, often through subordinate management. Regularly manages staff in the completion of large-scale projects or a very closely related set of projects/initiatives often spanning multiple disciplines. Receives strategies and broad departmental objectives from senior leadership; establishes operational objectives and work plans; delegates assignments to subordinate management and staff. Allocates resources according to priorities and serves as the primary decision maker regarding hiring, performance, and budget. 

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is highly complex and broad in scope covering several departments/divisions across HISD. Policy, procedures, and precedent are created and approved by this position. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice, and feedback. 

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Participates in a group plan and/or budget development. 

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas. May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters. 

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have considerable impact to multiple divisions or the organization causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies, or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses. Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays. 

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions are typically with customers and Top Management. 

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Anticipates customer needs, identifies, and champions opportunities for the development and implementation of new services and methods to meet or exceed customer needs. Establishes customer service standards and feedback mechanisms across departments. 

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. 
Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds.